Sebaceous glands changes following topical application of citral.

The long-lasting effect of a flavour cosmetic constituent on male rat skin was studied. Topical daily application of citral (15.4%) solution for 3 months produced an increase in the number of sebaceous gland lobules and hyperplasia of sebaceous cells in each gland. It is suggested that the mechanism of this hyperplasia might be activation of the testosterone 5 alpha-reductase which induces the formation of dihydrotestosterone, the mediator of sebaceous gland activity.